BRICS Summit Calls for Humanitarian Truce in Gaza

• 23 Nov 2023

In a virtual summit, BRICS nations, including Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, called for an immediate and sustained humanitarian truce in Gaza.

Key Points

• BRICS's Collective Statement: The group urged an immediate, durable, and sustained humanitarian truce, emphasizing the cessation of hostilities.
• They expressed strong support for regional and international efforts to achieve an immediate cessation of hostilities, ensuring civilian protection and humanitarian aid.
• Hamas-Israel Conflict: The summit took place amid ongoing conflict in Gaza, triggered by cross-border raids by Hamas gunmen that resulted in numerous casualties. Israel responded with a bombing campaign and ground offensive in Gaza.
• Leaders Call for Diplomatic Solution: BRICS leaders emphasized the need for a long-term diplomatic solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict to ensure lasting peace.
• India's Position: India's foreign minister asserted the importance of a two-state solution for a sustainable and peaceful resolution to the conflict.
• Participants and International Dynamics: Representatives from Saudi Arabia, Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates, slated to join BRICS in January 2024, were invited. BRICS sees itself as a counterweight to the U.S. and Western-led global order.
• South Africa's Stance: South Africa, a vocal supporter of the Palestinian cause, has recalled diplomats from Israel and joined calls for an International Criminal Court investigation into the conflict.